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Gladstone Student Wins STEM Award with Energy Saving App Idea
From energy-efficient cattle trucks to magnetic powered air-conditioners, 30 students from the Gladstone region have been recognised for their cutting-edge STEM innovations at part of the Future Makers Designing the Future STEM Challenge Award presented by Queensland Museum Network and Shell’s QGC business.
The awards opened in October 2020 giving students only one month to design and identify an energy usage problem in their local community and pitch their creative solutions using design thinking and prototyping to a selection panel.
An energy saving app prototype developed by Toolooa State High School student Tiah took out first place, designed to encourage and remind users to switch off lights and power when not in use to help reduce electricity bills and energy consumption.
Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson said the STEM Challenge provides a unique opportunity for the students to apply their classroom learning to real-world opportunities and challenges.
“Students are naturally curious and the entries are inspiring, all displaying critical thinking, problem solving and creativity, which are foundational STEM skills and important life skills,”
Dr Thompson said.
As part of the awards, students will get the opportunity to highlight their ideas when World Science Festival Queensland visits Gladstone on 29-30 August 2021.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch congratulated the students on their awards.
“I look forward to seeing their innovative ideas on display at the 2021 World Science Festival Queensland, showcased alongside the global achievements of Queensland’s key scientific leaders,” Minister Enoch said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is supporting World Science Festival contributing $3 million in 2020-21.”
The awards program is an initiative of the Future Makers partnership between Queensland Museum Network and Shell’s QGC business to advance STEM education and increase student participation.
The Future Makers program is a partnership between Shell’s QGC business and Queensland Museum Network. The social investment program is supported by Shell’s joint venture partners Tokyo Gas and CNOOC, contributing to strong, liveable communities across the Western Downs and Gladstone regions.